A year after his divorce, Daniel Stroman has decided that he's too young to die—or fuse permanently with his couch. But when he downloads the dating app "Let's Connect" and starts dating, his success/fail ratio isn't encouraging until he gets a connection request from Robin.
Everything about Robin's profile is different, from the bright little bird he's using as an avatar to the long and thoughtful answers he's written for the standard questions. He's witty, funny, and easy to talk to. Robin could be his perfect match. But Robin is holding something back.
Then again, so is Dan—beginning with the seven-year crush he’s carried for his best friend, Trevor. Sadly, except for one brief moment, they’ve never been single at the same time.
If aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
As per the blurb, Dan has had it tough the last year, having gone through a divorce and still harboring long suppressed feelings for his BFF that he’s had for years. He’s accepted the fact that it’s time to move on from it all and to start anew via a dating app.
At times funny, horrifying, and embarrassing, Dan’s not deterred… much. Despite society having all sorts of platforms to present one’s voice or to engage with others, realistically, he realizes it’s quite difficult to actually connect on a genuine honest level.
The works I’ve read from Jensen have always shown an introspective look at emotions, the mental struggle, the ruminations on the pros and cons and doubts that come upon us all. The process of how Dan moves forward rings true and thoughtful and a bit painfully as well. I quite enjoyed this novella about an MC over 50, putting himself out there and not giving up on love! Rest assured, Dan gets his happy ending!
This isn't a typical romance novel. It didn't give me the warm and fuzzies, but it made me think about expectations and the secrets we keep, even from ourselves.
Told from Dan's perspective, the narrative spans a few weeks, during which Dan, 50 and recently divorced, navigates the online dating world while pining for his best friend Trevor.
Dan's dates are a series of mishaps. There's the one guy who so aptly demonstrates his irritable bowel syndrome, and the other guy who has not one, not three, but twelve cats.
Dan's dates are at once funny and sad: funny, because who the hell has twelve cats, and sad, because who'll date you if you have that many cats? Cat guy is a person too.
And then there's Robin, who reminds Dan of Trevor. Robin is shy and funny, and his profile picture is that of a small bird, a robin. Dan begins to think maybe Trevor set him up, maybe Robin is Trevor.
I have to admit I felt some tension before the big reveal, and the ending, both bittersweet and joyful, worked for me.
Dan isn't the most likeable guy. I simultaneously felt sorry for him and wanted to strangle him. Dan lacks self-awareness and almost misses what's right in front of him.
Let's Connect is not a long book. I read it in one sitting and liked it more the next morning. This story, like sunscreen, like feelings, needs time to set.
How often do we read about an MC past 50? Not very often, folks, that’s for sure, so going for this was a no-brainer.
Dan’s journey of ‘putting himself out there’ again after his failed marriage is plastered with many good intentions and a lot of (often very chuckle-worthy) hick-ups. While I would not classify this as a typical romance, it is all about Dan figuring himself out, discover what (or rather who) he really wants and getting his HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dan’s self-deprecating tone, and his texts with Robin felt real and amusing at the same time.
I’d heartily recommend this novella! It not only made me smile, it also left me with a warm and cozy buzz round my heart. I could have easily read more about these guys.
I loved the premise of the story, especially since it doesn't turn out the way you think it will. I love that these were 50-ish MCs.
I just couldn't connect with them as much as I wanted to, because they were very hard to get to know. Not sure if that's make sense, but that's how I felt.
Such a perfect cover, so pretty and cute! It made me look forward to some entertaining, flirty correspondence between the protagonists. But pretty quickly it became clear I not only struggled to like the main character, Dan. I actively came to dislike him. It probably played a large part into why I felt the story didn't deliver the element of happiness I needed to enjoy the story.
Pleasant second chances romance. Kelly Jensen very generously brought this out for free in 12 weekly instalments during the First Great Lockdown of 2020, and it was lovely to have something light to look forward to during those first grim weeks.
Dan, divorced from Chris, unrequitedly in love with Trevor, starts a dating app correspondence with Robin. (And runs a bookshop too, so you can tell he's a good guy.) Over the course of 27k words, he finds new happiness. The star of the book, for my money, is Robin, whose thoughtful observations about love, friendship and off-the-wall comments, are totally charming and individual. Robin holds back from meeting Dan and much of the tension in the novella comes from guessing whether Dan will end up with Robin or Trevor.
If the novella has a weakness, I think it's created partly by its length (27k words is really short to introduce 3 rounded characters and make the love triangle credible). It's also affected by the way the action lurches from Robin to Trevor. Robin dominates the first half, then the focus switches rather choppily to Trevor, who is never quite as fully delineated as Robin.
Overall, though, definitely worth reading for Robin's thoughts.
The premise of this book sounded amazing. The actual content didn't deliver. I felt absolutely no connection to the main characters. And they were 50 acting 20.
This was a good story and I enjoyed it. I really like Kelly Jensen's way of telling a story. I just don't think I was expecting the cloud of melancholy around it. It almost felt like a bit of a downer.
I did enjoy it though.
Missed opportunities and time lost always kind of bring me down. Even though this ended beautifully I kind of just felt a little down while reading it.
It's probably all the realness that scared me. I've been reading pretty much nothing but escapism romances and this well, this could happen.
Kelly Jensen’s Let’s Connect was originally written as a serial for the author’s newsletter subscribers, but now she’s collected the instalments together and published them as a novella. It’s a charming, funny and poignant story about a fifty-year-old divorcé who alternates between wondering if life and love have passed him by and feeling as though he’s too young to give up on finding love and someone to share his life with.
Dan Stroman has been divorced for a year, and he’s obviously been struggling – with being single again, and with life in general. He’s neglected his business and spent more time than he should have clinging to his couch, but his best friend Trevor (on whom Dan has had a crush for years) has encouraged him to get back into the dating game, and pretty much stood over him while Dan downloaded the Let’s Connect app and created a profile. Dan does indeed connect with a few guys, but the in-person dates range from disastrous to simply not-what-I’m-looking-for, and he’s almost ready to give up when he receives a message on the app from Robin, who responds to the question “what’s the most interesting thing about you?” with a short essay about odd socks that is “the most bizarre yet sweet collection of words Dan had ever read.”
Dan is immediately struck by the personality – funny, self-deprecating and distinctly quirky – that comes through in Robin’s words. After they’ve exchanged a few messages on the app, Robin suggests they try a virtual date – they’ll both cook the same meal, and watch a movie together – and it goes well. Robin is easy to talk to and Dan feels comfortable with him – and over the weeks they spend chatting, he realises that his interactions with Robin have helped him to see that he IS ready to move forward and take the next step with someone. But… who is the right someone?
Let’s Connect is short, but it’s a lovely read that possesses considerable depth and insight. I really enjoyed Ms. Jensen’s recent This Time Forever series, in which most of the principal characters were in their forties and fifties, and here, she continues to highlight the very different issues that can arise when a more mature person is looking to find a new relationship, and does it in a very appealing and perceptive way.
Dan is the PoV character, although there’s a very satisfying epilogue which switches the perspective to the man in his life. Let’s Connect is short, sweet, and absolutely delightful, and happily, I see that Ms. Jensen is planning on writing more in this world.
This got to be among the most frustrating read this year (and I declared “frustrating” in a loving way). Oh. My. Gawd. It’s funny, bittersweet, lovely, and exasperating all in one! Aarghhh...
Jensen’s writing often hit close to home with her characters portrayal and this one is no different. LET’S CONNECT is a hilarious yet moving rom com, told from sole POV of one Daniel Stroman. Our MC was not the most imaginative middle age man who got nudged by his best friend into joining a dating app, a year after divorcing his husband after finding out (said husband) had been a serial cheater. But Daniel too was not without blame as he was nursing a crush on his best friend, even throughout the marriage. It was a conundrum that often found in people everywhere. But Jensen presented this in a lighthearted and entertaining way that - despite this reader found the characters exasperating - couldn’t help but rooting for them.
It is not a clear black and white tale but one that forced not only the MC but readers (at least this one) to reflect back on their past decision and come to terms with (possible) mistakes they made. LET’S CONNECT is surprisingly profound plot for a novella. Even if readers could predict which ‘date’ would finally win Daniel’s heart, the novella still managed to bring up a sort of ‘surprise’ without being too contrived about it. I really can’t say much for fear of divulging too much, but by golly this is a recommended read for those in need of a mood lift-up.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILERS AHEAD, AVOID IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED
While I gave thumbs up to Jensen for NOT going with the cliché storyline of the real life best friend (Trevor) is actually the online friend (Robin) ... I can't say that I'm fully satisfied with this novella.
For one thing, I FEEL VERY SAD ABOUT ROBIN!! It sucks because Robin is finally willing to take a step forward (he's struggling with shyness), giving Dan his real photo... only for Dan leaping to take HIS chance with Trevor the day before. Ami is not amused.
And let's face it, Daniel is rather being judge-y with his dates.
The friendship turns to lovers plot is sweet, yes, I'm happy that Dan and Trevor to get together after all these years, but my whole enjoyment is marred with feeling of unfairness towards Robin. Now I want to read Robin's HEA story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well this proved a great romance read with two great MCs in Dan and Trevor. I can expect nothing less really from the author who gave us Felix and Zander in the superb Chaos Station series. I'm looking forward to seeing where she'll take secondary character Robin in Let's Go Out.
I’ve been a fan of Kelly Jensen for a while now. I discovered her sci-fi series first and still love all her SFF books, but her contemporary stories are entertaining too. Let’s Connect is an enchanting tale about Dan reentering the dating world that began as a serial, where I read it first. Some scenes were LOL funny and others made me want to hug Dan in commiseration. This version has a wonderful final date that nicely gives Dan and his lover the HEA they both so richly deserve. One of the things I like most about this story is all the characters are in their forties or fifties, so they have few illusions about life’s downsides. That does not stop them from reaching for more, trying to find a connection in our sometimes overwhelming world. I’m happy there will be another serial set in this same world.
I always enjoy Kelly Jensen's writing, and this book was no different. It was super sweet and cute and charming. The narrator, Dan, is so damn likeable and I could totally sympathize with his inability to connect. This book was also funny, and I don't know why that surprises me; Kelly's books (at least, the ones I've read) are always full of wit and humour.
I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers story and this hit all of the right buttons!
I usually love the work of Kelly Jensen but this one missed a bit for me. Dan seems shallow, while bemoaning shallow people (he judges and dumps a man before their date because he isn't an Adonis, yet is upset when he is stood up and it appears the date saw him and left). He admits to being excited two men (Chris and Trevor) wanting him yet married one while claiming to love the other. He sort of blames Trevor for things, which I didn't like. And Robin broke my heart.
I was looking forward to reading this story. Best friends to lovers and internet romance, with a possibility of mistaken identity thrown in, checked all of my favorites boxes.
Dan was interesting main character, bookshop owner, mature and intelligent guy, struggling to find romantic connection after his divorce. His attempts at mobile dating app are half-hearted at best, until he connects with the mysterious Robin. Some things about Robin eerily remind him of his best friend, Trevor who just also happens to be the man Dan has been in love with almost since the first time they met.
There is heartache and misunderstandings, but halfway to the end I realized that I didn't understand either Dan or Trevor, their actions and behavior have left me confused instead of sympathetic. It is a possibility that this was my own fault but the end result is the same, I have failed to make a connection to the story itself.
Themes: second chances, divorce, dating apps, best friends to lovers
This didn’t work for me. It’s a novella but it felt so slow and tedious that I would have worn it was 500 pages long. I have a hard time reading about middle aged people acting like teenagers. I mean, I’m aware that it happens but I don’t want to read about it. Also, so much of this story happens when the main characters aren’t together. We hear a lot about their friendship but we don’t see any of it. We end up knowing more about Robin than we do about the main character.
Well this one was different but really enjoyable. It was also surprising. I was sure we were going in one direction and then I was kind of stunned when it was not at all what I thought. Dan and Kevin are best friends and Dan is in love with Trevor. Dan recently divorced decides he needs to start dating again. Trevor is in a relationship and Dan is ready to not be alone. He gives online dating a shot and goes on a series of horrible dates until he meets a man online that does not want to meet but wants to connect emotionally first. Dan is not ready though because his heart belongs to Trevor and what develops was surprising and refreshing. Not the typical MM romance novel here. Really good book.
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Let's Connect was a fun short read. It follows the point of view of Dan who tries dating again a year after his divorce. he has a string of bad dates, until he gets a connect request from Robin. This was a fun read about online dating, connecting, best friends and finding your place in life. I had fun reading this one, but something was lacking to really fully pull me into the story.
Let's Connect started with the focus on Dan's dates, none of which goes well until he meets Robin. He instantly feels a connection with Robin. Then there's his best friend Trevor who he tells about all his bad dates and for whom he still has feelings. I liked following this story and seeing Dan find love. There is a bit of of an unexpected twist in the story. While I liked the twist I do think it would've worked a bit better if the story had been slightly longer as now I felt like I didn't get to know the love interest as well.
It also felt a bit off somehow as I kept guessing who was the love interest and who Robin was in real life and it takes until almost the end of the book to get those answers. I did like how Dan handled the whole situation once he made up with mind.
I did feel like we got a good feel for Dan's personality. Just like Kelly Jensen's other books I liked the writing style of this one and honest and realistic tone the story has. I liked getting to know Dan with all his quirks and habits. I liked the dinner date he had with Robin. And it was fun to see how close he is with Trevor, whose always there for him. I also like the fact that this story follows an older main character who is around 50 as you don't see that often in romance books. It also was interesting to get to know Robin through chats and what he told Dan in those chats. It was fun to still get a feel for his character that way. The dating app premise also was a nice touch.
I struggled feeling the romance a bit due to how the story progressed. I liked following their conversations in chat form, but wanted to see a bit more of how they interact in real life. Add to that the wondering about who the love interest would be and who Robin really is. The only part where I really felt the romance was in the epilogue when we get the point of view of the love interest. The epilogue was awesome and had all that feeling, emotion and romance that I look for in a romance book. I just would've liked to see a bit more of that earlier. I also was happy to see that a certain side character will get their own story as I kept wondering what happened to him.
To summarize; This is a fun and sweet romance story that follows 50 year old Dan who's dating again after his divorce. After a string of bad dates his luck improves when he connect with Robin. he also has a great friend Trevor whose there for him. I liked seeing how the romance developed, but couldn't fully feel the romance, until the epilogue, which was great. I liked the tone of the story, but the twist and the wondering about the love interest and who Robin really was made it hard to really feel the romance.
Let’s Connect is the first book in the ‘Let’s Connect’ series. It's a second chances story and stars Daniel Stroman, Robin, an online friend, and Trevor, Dan’s long-time friend. This is told from Dan’s pov with an epilogue told from Trevor’s pov.
2.5 stars. This was a serialized story for the author's newsletter subscribers, and it feels like it was made up as it went along. The narrator comes across as self-centered and even a bit cruel, and the plot didn't go where I wanted it to go, so it wasn't a satisfying HEA for me. Points to the author for having MCs who are in their 50's, which a mature reader like myself can truly appreciate.
Oh well, I've liked many of Jensen's other books much more, including Building Forever and her Chaos Station series with Jenn Burke, but they can't all be winners.
I really enjoyed reading this story as it involved MCs in their early 50s. Daniel has been divorced for a year and at his best friend's urging, he decides to give online dating a try. He signs up for the Let's Connect app and has a horrible time with online dating until he connects with someone named Robin. Both men begin a chat conversation but Daniel feels like Robin is holding something back from him. While these chat conversations are ongoing, Daniel is also battling a lifelong crush on his best friend, Trevor, who he believes is in a relationship. When it turns out that Trevor has been single for a while, the truth comes out and both men have to admit their feelings for the other. This was a lovely story with a great HEA and Robin gets his own story in the next book :)
I really connected (get it?) with Dan from page one. Reading his profile was like looking in a mirror. I too always wanted to run a bookstore and live above it and I would 100% bring a good book to a deserted island. Also I just loved Robin. What a sweetie. I am looking forward to reading his story. I liked how human Dan was from thinking Robin was Trevor (clearly Dan and I have read too many rom com books) to everything else. Also Trevor’s moment at the end about appreciating the little moments, I liked that. Overall if you want a book with friends, doesn’t make you think and has a cute feel good story, I think this book would work. I really enjoyed it and will probably read again.
This was a wonderful romance with an interesting format.
There were lots of posts on a dating platform. Lots of bad dates (some horribly funny). Lots of reflection on relationships and past mistakes.
There were great conversations between two men who have been hurt in the past but want to move forward. If nothing else, they're learning more about themselves and what each other is looking for.
Best of all it was a close dissection of a new direction...a change in a year's old friendship. And the chance of a new, better future.
this is a perfect book for a movie adaptation! so cinematic, fun and funny! I could see it in my head while reading and it was so enjoyable. definetely one of my favorite books of the year. I absolutely loved this romance, epistolary element and the twist, that usually done the other way around to bring more conflict to the story. Also how often we see romances about people that are 50+? main characters are in their mid to late fifties which was so amazing and refreshing to read about. I loved this book very much and can't wait to check out other books by this author!
I just finished this clever little book and completely enjoyed it. It was fun to get to know Dan as he interacted with people online and in real life, and watching him figure out who he was and what he wanted. While the story has some deep thoughts, it's low angst. I recommend it if you want a book that puts a smile on your face.